I love chocolate éclairs, right? Sometimes, you just want something a little brighter, and more…summer. What is this 7-layer strawberry éclair cake? Imagine all the creamy, dreamy goodness of an éclair, but amped up with layers of fresh strawberries. a light, airy filling. My grandma used to make a similar chocolate version, but this strawberry twist? Isn’t it delicious? Is this one of those desserts that looks super impressive, but honestly, it’s so simple, even my mom would like it. Can a teenager make it? If she can make it, you definitely can. What are some of the best 7-layer strawberry éclair cakes?
What is a 7-layer strawberry éclair cake?
Think of it as a no-bake version of éclair, but in cake form! Instead of individual pastries, we’re creating a layered dessert with graham crackers standing in the middle. For the pâte à choux (the fancy pastry dough)? What’s essentially layers of crispy graham crackers soaked in a creamy pudding mixture, topped with caramel sauce? Fresh strawberries and a luscious glaze. The name “7-Layer” comes from the alternating layers of crackers, pudding, and strawberries. It’s not baked, so it is perfect for warm weather when you don’t want to turn on the oven. What is a lazy baker’s dream dessert? What is the best strawberry éclair you’ve ever had? Don’t let the name intimidate you; it’s surprisingly easy to assemble!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? What I love most about this 7-Layer Strawberry Éclair Cake is that it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. First, you have the sweetness of the pudding and glaze, which is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the fresh strawberries. The graham crackers add a slight crunch and a comforting flavor that reminds me of childhood.
What really sells it for me is how incredibly easy it is to make! Seriously, no baking required, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, it’s a total showstopper. It looks so elegant and impressive, but it literally takes minutes to assemble. It’s also very cost-effective. Graham crackers and pudding mix are super affordable, and even with fresh strawberries, it won’t break the bank.
And let’s talk about versatility. You can easily customize this dessert to your liking. Use different fruits, try a chocolate pudding base, or add a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch. I’ve even seen people drizzle it with chocolate ganache! This recipe is incredibly similar to an Icebox Cake, but with an éclair twist. It has become my go-to dessert for potlucks and family gatherings, and it always disappears in minutes. Trust me; you’ll love it too!
How do you make a 7-layer strawberry éclair cake?
Quick Overview
Making this 7-Layer Strawberry Éclair Cake is incredibly simple. You’ll start by layering graham crackers in a dish, followed by a creamy pudding mixture and sliced fresh strawberries. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all the ingredients, then top it off with a delicious glaze. The best part is that it needs to chill in the fridge for at least a few hours, which means you can make it ahead of time. It’s one of those “dump and go” recipes that is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a dessert in a pinch. And don’t be shy with the strawberries – the more the merrier!
Ingredients
For the Main Cake:
* 1 (14.4 oz) box of graham crackers: I prefer the honey-flavored ones, but you can use any kind you like. Just make sure they’re not too thick.
* 2 (3.4 oz) boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix: Make sure it’s instant, not cook and serve. Is it possible to use French vanilla for a richer flavor?
* 3 cups of milk: I usually use whole milk for the creamiest results, but 2% or even almond milk will work just fine. I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
* 16 oz of fresh strawberries, sliced: Look for bright red, plump berries that smell sweet. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen ones. Make sure to thaw and drain them.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup of powdered sugar: Sift it for the smoothest glaze.
* 2-3 tablespoons of milk: Add the milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
* 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Adds a touch of extra flavor.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prepare Pan
How do you grease a 9×13 baking dish? Is it possible to line a dish with parchment paper for easy removal? Just a quick spritz with cooking spray does the trick. What is layering?
Step 2: Make the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Set aside. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up slightly. This is important because it gives the pudding time to set. I always do this when I’m prepping the other ingredients.
Step 3: Layer
Arrange a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, breaking them as they break. Needs to fit snugly. How do you spread the pudding mixture over graham crackers? Then, arrange half of the sliced strawberries over the pudding. Repeat the layers. What are the best graham crackers, pudding, and strawberries Top with graham crackers and the remaining pudding. If you have extra strawberries, you can add a few more on top. It’s your masterpiece, so make it beautiful!
Step 4: Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. What is the best way to soften graham crackers? Don’t even think about skipping this step. The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough that it spreads easily.
Step 6: Glaze & Serve
How do you drizzle the glaze over a chilled cake? If you want to get fancy, you can add a few extra strawberry slices on top for garnish. My kids ask for this all the time, so I usually end up making it every other week!
What is the best way to serve it?
This 7-layer strawberry Éclair cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with other desserts. What are some other treats?For Brunch:A light and fluffy quiche, alongside a crisp mimosa. The sweetness of the quiche complements the savory flavors.
As Dessert:After a light dinner, this cake is the perfect treat. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
For Cozy Snacks:Snuggle up with a slice of the cake and warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate on chilly evenings. What are some of the comforting flavors that will leave you feeling warm and content. Growing up, my grandma always served this with a big pitcher of iced tea during the summer. What is a good pairing with Moscato wine? The sweetness of wine enhances the flavors of the cake.
How do I make a 7-layer strawberry éclair cake?
How do I make a 7-layer strawberry éclair cake?Graham Cracker Prep: What areIf you want a super soft cake, you can lightly soak the graham crackers in milk before layering. How do you soak a potato too much? I prefer a bit of texture, so I skip this step.
What are some of the Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pudding flavors! Chocolate, cheesecake, or even lemon pudding would all be delicious. Just make sure the flavor complements the strawberries. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use a combination of two different pudding flavors.
Fruit Substitutions:What are some good alternatives to strawberries? Blueberries, raspberries and peaches would all work well. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they layer evenly. I’ve even made this with a mix of berries for an colorful and flavorful twist.
Glaze Customization:Is glaze really easy to customize? Add a squeeze of lemon juice for tangy glaze, or 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate. What are some good spices to add to a glaze? What are the endless possibilities?
Serving SuggestionsFor an extra special touch, top the cake with chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts. What is the best way to serve caramel sauce? I also like to add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. Is this cake even better the next day? The flavors have more time to meld together, and the graham crackers become even softer.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store a 7-layer strawberry éclair cake?Room Temperature: 1I don’t recommend storing this cake at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, especially if you are baking it in the oven for 10 minutes. If it’s warm out, what should I do The pudding will soften and the strawberries will get mushy.
Refrigerator Storage: What This cake is best stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days. The graham crackers will continue to soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two.
Freezer Instructions: While you can technically freeze this cake, I don’t recommend it. The texture of the pudding and strawberries can change, and the graham crackers can become soggy upon thawing. But if you absolutely need to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake for more than a day, I recommend waiting to add the glaze until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming too thin or sticky. It also allows you to add a fresh layer of strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Okay, so that’s my 7-Layer Strawberry Éclair Cake recipe! I really hope you give it a try because it’s honestly one of my all-time favorite desserts. It’s just so easy to make, so delicious to eat, and it always gets rave reviews. I promise you, this will become a staple in your dessert rotation! If you love this recipe, you should definitely check out my other no-bake desserts, like my Oreo Icebox Cake and my Lemon Lush Dessert. They’re all equally easy and delicious. And please, let me know in the comments if you make this 7-Layer Strawberry Éclair Cake. I’d love to hear how it turns out and if you made any fun variations! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
How to Make the Best 7-Layer Strawberry Éclair Cake Today!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box Graham Crackers About 14.4 oz
- 2 boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix 3.4 oz each
- 3 cups Milk Cold
- 4 cups Whipped Topping Thawed
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries Sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined.
- Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with a layer of graham crackers. You may need to break some crackers to fit.
- Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries.
- Repeat the layers 6 more times, ending with a layer of whipped topping. Garnish with extra strawberries, if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the graham crackers to soften.
